Salvation Army Christmas dinner in Phoenix

Salvation Army Christmas dinner in Phoenix

Luis Gomez, age 4 of Phoenix slaps the hands of some Kansas State football players during the annual Salvation Army Christmas dinner at the Phoenix Convention Center on Dec. 25, 2017 in Phoenix, Ariz.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic

College football players painting little girls' fingernails? Yes, they were making Christmas memories together at the Salvation Army's event in Phoenix Monday.

About 5,000 people gathered for the annual meal, services and entertainment at the Phoenix Convention Center. Many came early for the midday meal to get free haircuts, manicures, or photos with Santa or to listen to a live band.

The Kansas State Wildcats football team was at the event, volunteering in a variety of ways, from greeting people at the door to giving manicures. The team is in Phoenix to play the UCLA Bruins in the Cactus Bowl on Tuesday.

“I need a little more practice at this,” said Kansas State defensive back Walter Neil Jr., who was painting Melanie Ramirez’s fingernails bright pink. She was there with her family for dinner.

Feeding thousands

More than 3,500 pounds of turkey, 2,000 potatoes, 1,500 pounds of stuffing and 7,000 pieces of pie were served at the free dinner.

Preparations for the dinner started on Friday. More than 2,200 people who couldn’t leave their homes also were brought meals by the Salvation Army.

“We have 1,400 wonderful volunteers who have helped with this meal,” said Major Nancy Dihle, the Salvation Army’s metro Phoenix program director. “They do everything from cut pies to peel potatoes.”

Theododd Leverton got a haircut and beard trim from hairstylist Helen Walker before sitting down to dinner.

“I am thankful for the haircut and the food,” Leverton said.

It’s Walker's eighth year giving free haircuts at the Salvation Army Christmas dinner.

“I love being here,” she said, looking at the line of people waiting for a haircut.

Families posed in front of holiday scenes for photos. Others lined up to have pictures taken with Santa. A crowd stood in front of the band playing holiday music.

The Salvation Army has been hosting its Phoenix Christmas dinner for more than three decades.

About 325,000 people in metro Phoenix are helped by the nonprofit every year through programs to provide meals, help to disaster survivors, outreach to the elderly and ill and clothing and shelter for the homeless, according to the Salvation Army.